Parental Socioeconomic Background as a Determinant of Student’s Academic Performance in Selected Public Secondary Schools in Calabar Municipal Local Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined the influence of parental socioeconomic background on the academic performance of students in selected public secondary schools in Calabar Municipal Local Government Area of Cross River State. The stratified sampling technique was used to select 114 students from five public schools, while the simple random sampling technique was used to administer the questionnaire. Also, data on student’s academic performance was obtained from student’s scores in four selected subjects. Data obtained was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. Multiple regression result revealed that parental socioeconomic background significantly influenced students’ academic performance (p<0.05); as students whose parents had better jobs and higher levels of educational attainment and who were exposed to more educational and cultural resources at home tended to perform better than their counterparts without such opportunities. The study identified parental occupation as the main predictive variable influencing student’s academic performance. However, increase in parental salaries in line with the current economic situation as well as the provision of adequate books and facilities in schools to breach the gap between the rich and the poor are recommended in order to improve the academic performance of students.

Keywords: Academic Performance, Socioeconomic Background, Calabar Municipality, Government, Public Schools